Lawrence Council to tackle budget issues

LAWRENCE — An agenda filled with opportunity to reallocate funding to address the township’s most dire needs, and to further rectify the current 2013 proposed budget, is set for Tuesday’s council meeting.

In a memorandum from Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun, the list of topics council will consider at tonight’s meeting include the introduction of an ordinance to publicly auction a township property on Meriline Avenue and the allocation of more than $50,000 to cover unexpected snow removal expenses accrued during 2012.

According to the proposed ordinance, the winner of the Meriline Avenue auction should be a neighbor who is able to consolidate the parcel of land to their adjacent property. Also the successful bidder must pay up to $1,000 to cover the township’s legal fees in addition to the winning bid price.

The township will also consider several resolutions for adoption, including authorizing Lawrence Township to enter into a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission. By participating in the agreement, the township could save thousands of dollars by purchasing goods and services, such as electricity, at reduced prices.

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Select necessary spending will be considered by Council including a risk management fee of $20,325. The township will be required to secure a risk management consultant, in order to participate in the newly joined Garden State Municipal Joint Insurance Fund. “This new structure replaces commissions that would have been paid under the previous self-insurance program,” said Krawczun.

The cost for legal representation for the township will also be considered. David Roskos, an attorney who represents the township on various matters will increase the contracted maximum by $7,000 to $223,600. The funding, which is available from the 2012 appropriation for legal services fund, will cover issues concerning tax appeal matters, and affordable housing. An additional increase of $15,000 is expected to be appropriated to pay for professional legal service regarding tax appeals and labor matters.

A resolution to increase public transportation to the Quaker Bridge Mall will also be introduced. Council members will consider authorizing the installation of two bus stops along Quakerbridge Road adjacent to the Lawrence Square Village housing complex.

The Mercer County Board of Freeholders will also be required to approve the locations because Quakerbridge Road is under the jurisdiction of Mercer County.

Council will also hear from Municipal Court Judge Kevin Nerwinski and Police Chief Daniel Posluszny who will present a 2013 municipal budget regarding their respective departments. Additionally, Mother’s Recovery Inc., which lost the contract to provide towing services to the Lawrence Police Department for 2013, will appeal the township’s decision.

Finally, Council members will temporarily provide funding to the township until the 2013 proposed budget is fully adopted.